Apparently even if the 23-year-old superstar formally requests a transfer, the Red Devils claim they arenât listening. Heâs under contract, after just holding the club up for more cash, and theyâre claiming they expect him to live up to the deal he signed.

Their terse statement on their website read as follows:

Further to Friday’s press speculation about where Cristiano Ronaldoâs future lies, the club has moved to reiterate its stance on the matter: United are not listening to offers. The club reaffirmed to ManUtd.com on Friday morning that the 23-year-old United star is ânot for sale.ââ

Of course, that could well just be a negotiating tactic to maintain whatever semblance of leverage they still have.

The winger from Portugal _ who led United to a Champions League and Premier League double _ is headed to Switzerland for a three-week vacation. But his team is going to demand he be at preseason training at the end of next month. This could get far uglier.

If he lodges a transfer request, heâll lose a cut of the transfer fee, which could well be a record-breaking one. If he goes on striker, I canât see United paying him at all. And Sir Alex Ferguson has already said the Glazers told him theyâd rather see Ronaldo ârotââ than be bullied by Madrid.

So what do you think happens? The negotiations could start in earnest now. Think his fee will break Zinedine Zidaneâs record of 76 million euros? United clearly wants a right back; think Sergio Ramos ends up as part of the deal? Chime in with your thoughtsâ¦.